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- Tasks: Manage client relationships and help run a growing accountancy practice.
- Company: Focus Accountancy, a small, dynamic firm in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and real progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-led team focused on sustainability and mental health support.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your clients and shape the future of our practice.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 3+ years UK practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Ready to stop being just a number in a big firm? We're Focus Accountancy – a small, growing Bristol practice (team of 9 with our Stapleton office) and we need someone who can manage clients AND help run the practice as we scale. This isn't a "sit in the corner and do tax returns" role. Barry (our founder) needs his right-hand person – someone who can take real ownership, manage client relationships from start to finish, and eventually help run day-to-day operations.
Why This Role Exists
We've got our Stapleton office running smoothly and hired three graduates in the last year who we're developing into future client managers. But Barry needs qualified, experienced support NOW to manage clients and gradually take on practice management responsibilities. The honest truth? This will evolve into a practice manager role for the right person. Someone who doesn't just want to do the work, but wants to shape how we do it.
What You'll Actually Do (From Day One)
- Manage your own client portfolio – primarily contractors, consultants, freelancers (plus some other businesses) who've chosen us for our personal approach
- Full technical delivery – VAT returns, tax returns, year-end accounts, tax planning advice, oversight of bookkeeping (not hands-on bookkeeping)
- Remote-first client relationships – mostly via Zoom, phone and email (face-to-face available but not the norm)
- Tech-savvy approach – we're fully cloud-based; you must be comfortable with IT systems
- Gradually take on team oversight – help develop our three graduates who are our future client managers
- Share operational duties – as you prove yourself, help Barry with day-to-day practice management
The Bigger Picture (6-12 Months In)
- Practice management responsibilities
- Personnel oversight (we're a team of 9, not 50)
- Client success and retention strategy
- Being the person who helps keep everything running smoothly while Barry focuses on strategy
We're not promising this on day one – we need to see the fit works both ways.
What We Actually Need
- ✅ Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 3+ years UK practice experience
- ✅ Client-facing confidence – you enjoy being the go-to person (mostly remote contact)
- ✅ IT literate – essential, not optional; comfortable with cloud systems and technology
- ✅ Leadership potential – willing to take on responsibility and people management
- ✅ Technical competence – focus on oversight rather than hands-on bookkeeping
- ✅ Within 10 miles of Bristol city centre – hybrid but need you in Stapleton 3 days/week
- ✅ Long-term mindset – not looking for a 12-month stepping stone
Why You'd Want This
- 💰 £40,000-£50,000 (including a performance-based element)
- 📍 Hybrid working – 3 days Stapleton office, 2 from home (genuine flexibility)
- 📈 Real progression – natural evolution to practice management role
- 🎯 Autonomy from day one – manage your own clients, make decisions
- 🌱 Small team impact – team of 9 where you'll actually matter
- 💻 Modern tech stack – FreeAgent cloud software (everyone's accredited), fully digital
- 🌍 Values-led practice – aiming for Net Zero by 2030, 100% paperless
- 🧠 Mental health support – we mean it
- 🚴 Cycle to work scheme (less than 20% of us drive)
- ⏰ Flexible hours – work-life balance matters here
About Focus Accountancy
We specialise primarily in contractors, consultants and freelancers (plus some other business clients). We're small (deliberately), agile, and proud of our high retention rates. Barry's built something good here, but he needs someone to share the operational load and take genuine ownership. A long-standing team member is moving to 4 days/week from January. Fair warning: We're looking for the right person, not just any person. This might take time, and that's okay.
What We're NOT Looking For
- Someone who just wants to "do the accounts" without client contact
- People using this as a stopgap before moving to industry
- Anyone who exaggerates on their CV
- Someone who needs hand-holding
- Anyone not comfortable with technology and digital working
- People outside 10 miles of Bristol city centre
The Process
- Stage 1: Video interview with Helen (our talent partner)
- Step 2: Informal coffee with Barry (not in office – relaxed first meeting)
- Stage 3: Technical interview + office visit to meet the team
- Stage 4: Final interview + DISC profiling
After initial coffee, everything moves to Helen at HFBAC to keep things smooth and clear.
How to Apply
Apply below! We're not rushing this. Better to find the right person than settle.
Client Manager (Qualified Accountant) - Hybrid, Bristol in Stapleton employer: HFBAC
Contact Detail:
HFBAC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Manager (Qualified Accountant) - Hybrid, Bristol in Stapleton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Focus Accountancy, their values, and their approach to client management. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your client management skills! Since this role is all about managing relationships, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled client interactions. Be ready to share these stories during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech-savvy side! Since they're fully cloud-based, be prepared to discuss your experience with IT systems and how you've used technology to improve client interactions or streamline processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you get the chance to chat with Barry or Helen, ask about the team dynamics, the future of the practice, and how they envision the role evolving. This shows you're thinking long-term and are keen to contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Manager (Qualified Accountant) - Hybrid, Bristol in Stapleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don't be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our small but mighty team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with client management and any tech-savvy skills you have. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership, so showcase your leadership potential and relevant qualifications!
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter, express why you’re excited about joining Focus Accountancy. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in our values and mission. Let us know how you align with our goals and what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re not rushing this process, so take your time to make it great!
How to prepare for a job interview at HFBAC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around VAT returns, tax planning, and year-end accounts. Focus Accountancy is looking for someone who can deliver full technical support, so be ready to discuss your experience in these areas.
✨Show Your Client Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past. Since this role involves a lot of remote communication, think about how you can demonstrate your confidence and effectiveness in managing clients via Zoom, phone, and email.
✨Embrace Technology
Since the practice is fully cloud-based, it’s crucial to show that you're tech-savvy. Familiarise yourself with FreeAgent or similar software, and be prepared to discuss how you’ve used technology to improve efficiency in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Focus Accountancy is looking for someone who can take on team oversight and help develop future client managers. Think of instances where you've taken initiative or led a project, and be ready to share how you can contribute to the team's growth.